I like the verse regarding what righteousness is 2:177. The Quran makes it so simple and straightforward but often due to our own shortcomings, it can become the most difficult things for us to live up to.

Originally Posted by Suspect99

Great summary. And very well researched. Thank you for all the effort you put in

Thank you all for your encouragement.

Indeed, Fury, in Islam, righteousness is to stand up for others and for higher principles, and not just for oneself.

Indeed, Fury, in Islam, righteousness is to stand up for others and for higher principles, and not just for oneself.

Higher principles such as the length of a mans beard?

And another question - if we must submit to his guidance, why can he not show himself? Why is it always through a single person who claims to be a prophet, without any real evidence as to their credentials? Why only thousands of years ago, and to a tiny geographical speck, and not to all the other communities and ethnic groups across the world at that time?

Why the need to cause such conflict, mayhem and wars because of only appearing in such a small location?

Does your God give you free will to love him or not? Do you have assurance that you will go to heaven if you serve him?

Yes, a core theme in my article speaks to the free will that we have. However, the choices we make are not without consequences. Furthermore, we are commanded to have firm hope in absolution by God. We are told to never despair of God's mercy. The two wings are fear and hope, but the head is love... Love.

Originally Posted by Nuke

So I "only" have to submit? Sorry, not interested. I prefer doing things my way.

You are free to accept or reject, dear Nuke. Submit to the Lord, your Creator, or assume that you do not have one - the choice is yours.

Originally Posted by Necropolis

I suspect it is a copy/paste job...

Nope, not copy&paste. And when I quote any party, I certainly do credit them.

And another question - if we must submit to his guidance, why can he not show himself? Why is it always through a single person who claims to be a prophet, without any real evidence as to their credentials? Why only thousands of years ago, and to a tiny geographical speck, and not to all the other communities and ethnic groups across the world at that time?

Why the need to cause such conflict, mayhem and wars because of only appearing in such a small location?

Yes, a core theme in my article speaks to the free will that we have. However, the choices we make are not without consequences. Furthermore, we are commanded to have firm hope in absolution by God. We are told to never despair of God's mercy. The two wings are fear and hope, but the head is love... Love.

You are free to accept or reject, dear Nuke. Submit to the Lord, your Creator, or assume that you do not have one - the choice is yours.

Nope, not copy&paste. And when I quote any party, I certainly do credit them.

Originally Posted by wayfarer

Thank you, dear YingYang! The future of our world depends on people understanding and respecting each other, regardless of faith, or no faith.

Dear wayfarer - ignoring me is not going to make the way easier for those who have doubts. You might try and hide behind the "no hate speech" declaration you made. That would be wrong. My questions are only that - questions.

And another question - if we must submit to his guidance, why can he not show himself? Why is it always through a single person who claims to be a prophet, without any real evidence as to their credentials? Why only thousands of years ago, and to a tiny geographical speck, and not to all the other communities and ethnic groups across the world at that time?

Why the need to cause such conflict, mayhem and wars because of only appearing in such a small location?

Dear wayfarer - ignoring me is not going to make the way easier for those who have doubts. You might try and hide behind the "no hate speech" declaration you made. That would be wrong. My questions are only that - questions.